1740-48 War of Austrian Succession

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Jamie & Natalie


Event & Dates
 Major Causes
 Key Events
 Key Outcomes for Analysis
 Interesting POV's to consider
1740-1748: War of Austrian Succession
  • Charles VI was unable to produce a male heir.
  • Issued the Pragmatic Sanction to secure that his daughter, Maria Theresa would ascend to the throne.
  • Fredrick II of Prussia took advantage of the weak leader and invaded Silesia.
  • France Enters against Austria
  • Maria Theresa made an alliance with Britain--Britain feared French hegemony.
  • Spread to the East and to North America
  • 1748: Peace treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle - This stated that all occupied territories would be returned to original owners EXCEPT Silesia.
  • The growing hostility between Austria and Prussia over the ownership of Silesia guaranteed another war (Seven Years' War).
  • Maria Theresa's status as a woman in power and her rightful claim to the the ownership of Silesia, led her to assert herself through war agaist the Prussians (Gender issue/Reason of State).

  • Irredentism